The light beam
Through the roof hole.
Daniel Lobo — CC BY 2.0 · Daniel Lobo — CC BY 2.0 · Николай Максимович — CC BY 3.0 · Николай Максимович — CC BY 3.0
An underground water cave that has become one of Mexico's most famous photographs: a dark rock dome with a single small opening in its roof, through which a straight beam of light falls on a round stone platform in the middle of the green water, like a stage spotlight. You go down a narrow stairway into the cave, then walk along a stone path over the water to the round platform. The beam shows clearly around midday, when the sun is directly over the opening, and is strongest in the spring months. Swimming is allowed with a life vest, in cold, clear water beneath stalactites hanging from the roof. The site has a second, smaller cenote and a simple restaurant. Many come to photograph themselves on the platform, so people queue to take their picture in the beam; come early or accept a wait. The stairs are slippery, so go down slowly.
Through the roof hole.
In green water.
Hanging from the dome.
About 8 km east of Valladolid, on the road to Cancún
Around midday, when the sun is over the opening; the beam is clearest in spring. On cloudy days it may not appear.